Nigel Farage has demanded an immediate General Election, accusing Andy Burnham of launching a “coup” to seize No10.
The Reform UK leader said Mr Burnham had “effectively crowbarred” his way into Downing Street after he stood unopposed for Labour leader.
“He has arrived there unelected, unopposed and with no mandate from the public whatsoever but for a by-election victory in Makerfield,” Mr Farage wrote in the Mail.
Describing it as a “very disturbing state of affairs indeed”, he warned Mr Burnham’s Government would be “more of the same as the previous Government – but hiked even further to the Left”.
Mr Farage also pointed out that the Makerfield MP’s “short, rather dull” speech failed to discuss immigration – and said the “floodgates will be opened even wider” under Mr Burnham’s premiership.
He also said watering down Shabana Mahmood’s migration overhaul would be a “total abdication of duty”, adding that if Mr Burnham was “hellbent” on implementing his “radical changes”, he needs a mandate.
“That means calling a General Election. Right this very minute,” he said.
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CONFIRMED: Andy Burnham removes VAT from energy bills from October 1 – funded by scrapping hated Digital ID
Andy Burnham has announced a fresh tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1.
Chancellor John Healey MP said the cut would be funded from cancelling the Digital ID programme.
“For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living,” he said.
“Today’s energy tax cut will give families some breathing room on bills, and provide some reassurance this winter.
“This measure is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and it will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.”
Andy Burnham to roll out ‘fully-funded’ energy bill cuts – but admits it ‘won’t solve everything’
Andy Burnham is expected to announce a “fully-funded” cut to energy bills in his first major intervention as Prime Minister.
Downing Street is pushing to “give people some breathing space now”, with Mr Burnham said to be planning to scrap the five per cent VAT on energy levies, a move which would save households £86 a year, and removing green levies, saving £42 a year.
Some of the measures and how they would be funded will be announced today, with energy prices expected to jump in costs because of the ongoing Iran war.
The Prime Minister is also considering reinstating the £2 cap on bus fares and introducing rent freezes as a long-term measure, according to The Times.
But the new Prime Minister has admitted it “won’t solve everything”.
When pressed on his plans, Mr Burnham said: “We’re looking at measures that could make a difference this year. So we are looking at all of those things, but we’ll make more announcements tomorrow.”
He added: “We just want to do some things that people will feel and feel quite quickly. It won’t solve everything. It won’t take all of the pressure off, but it just shows a direction of travel and that we’re serious about helping them out.”
Got a big job ahead of him!’ Donald Trump issues first verdict on Andy Burnham after phoning new PM
Donald Trump gave his verdict on Andy Burnham late last night after a phone call between the two leaders.
“The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help,” the President said in his first public comments following the call.
He added: “We discussed North Sea oil, trade, the military alliance, demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics.”
Ed Miliband, who opposed new drilling in the North Sea while Energy Secretary, may soon come face-to-face with the President as Foreign Secretary.
A senior official within Mr Trump’s administration said the White House was scathing at the “inauspicious” appointment of Mr Miliband to the diplomatic role.
The source told The Sun the administration “aren’t surprised… They’re just relieved he’s not Chancellor”.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
RECAP – Andy Burnham’s Cabinet in full: Ed Miliband, Angela Rayner and more learn fates in new-look No10
Andy Burnham finally revealed his Cabinet last night as he launched into a purge of some of Sir Keir Starmer’s closest allies.
Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Steve Reed and Lord Hermer were all shown the exit door – though Shabana Mahmood, Heidi Alexander, Lisa Nandy and Pat McFadden all clung on.
Also returning to Cabinet but under new portfolios are Ed Miliband, now Foreign Secretary – and Yvette Cooper, now Health Secretary.
In a shock pick, former Defence Secretary John Healey was named Chancellor, with the ex-Health Secretary Wes Streeting filling his former boots as Defence Secretary.
Angela Rayner also returned from Government exile as Housing Secretary after she was cleared of any deliberate wrongdoing in relation to her tax affairs.
Mr Burnham’s inner circle have all been handed bumper new jobs.
Louise Haigh has been appointed as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Miatta Fahnbulleh as Energy Secretary, and Anneliese Midgley as Chief Whip.
READ THE FULL LIST OF CABINET MEMBERS HERE